Happy Halloween! If you think ghosts and goblins are creepy, you should see what the backcountry can serve up. Anyone who has spent any time in the wilderness has creepy stories to share, and Ross is no exception.

In this episode, Ross recounts one scary encounter he had in a remote canyon far from home. 

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In the final episode of The BFF Podcast's first season, Ross walks you through what backcountry fly fishing looks like in October--the last solid month before deep fall and winter set in for real. He covers fishing tips, setups, and the basic gear you'll need to stay on the water and keep putting fish in the net as the weather gets colder. 

This is the last episode of Season 1. Thanks to everyone for listening! It's been quite a learning experience. In a few weeks, we'll be back with Season 2, which will focus on surviving the winter (and planning for the spring and summer) as a backcountry angler. 

If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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In this episode, we define backcountry fly fishing, talk about difficulty ratings for various types of fishing, and walk through my "guiding principles" of backcountry fly fishing. 

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Who the heck is Ross Izard, and why should you listen to him talk about fly fishing? This episode is an introduction to yours truly. I share my personal background, talk about how I got into fly fishing, and explain how I developed into a wilderness junkie who spends his free time chasing trout in remote locations.

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This is the first-ever episode of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast. Host Ross Izard lays out why the world needs a podcast dedicated to wilderness fly fishing and talks about where we go from here.

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Every time you head into the backcountry, there's a chance things could go wrong. No matter how experienced you are, how much training you have, or how long you've been fly fishing in the wilderness, you could find yourself in trouble out there. If that day ever comes, you'll be incredibly grateful for the amazing folks on your local search and rescue team.

One of those wonderful folks, Dave Arnett from Douglas County Search and Rescue in Colorado, joins Ross on this episode to give you an inside look at a search and rescue team. Dave also provides tips and information that could save your life if you ever do find yourself in a bad situation.

We are immensely grateful for Dave's work and the work of all wilderness search and rescue teams. THANK YOU for all you do to keep us safe as we chase beautiful fish in wild places. 

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There's a lot of stuff you don't know about backcountry fly fishing (or fly fishing in general), and in many cases, you may not even know you don't know it. That's true for every fly angler, no matter how many years you have under your belt. Perhaps the greatest thing about this sport is that it's all about constant learning.

In this episode, Ross provides ten tips that you probably didn't know you needed, but that could help you have a better, more successful day on the water the next time you decide to hit the trail or hop in the stream. 

Don't forget your meat thermometer!

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Everybody needs good gear, and that means everybody needs a good fly shop. Plus, it's always fun to have someplace to talk with other fly fishers, get some helpful advice, and maybe spend a little too much money on this crazy hobby we all love.

In this episode, Patrick Srebniak from AvidMax, a national online fly shop based in Denver, talks to us about how to find your shop and get geared up for a great time on the water. Whether you're hitting the backcountry, driving to your local stream for the first time, or looking for some obscure feathers for your latest fly pattern, this episode will help you think through where to get the stuff you need for the sport you love.

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Backcountry fly fishing, by necessity, requires a lot of hiking. Your legs are the primary vehicle you'll use to access the wild places we love to fish, and that means it pays to know how to be a good hiker.

In this episode, Maggie Peikon from the American Hiking Society joins us to talk about what to bring, how to stay safe, how to share the trail, how to deal with wildlife, and various other topics that will help elevate your hiking game.

If you want to learn more about AHS and their amazing work, or if you want to get involved (and you should), you can visit the organization's website at https://americanhiking.org/. 

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Fall has officially arrived! It's definitely not time to stop fly fishing, but the arrival of changing leaves and cooler weather does require some changes in where and how we fish after a beautiful, long summer of hiking to various alpine lakes and other high-elevation locales. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to stay on the water through the first month of autumn and have an absolute blast banging fish on your favorite backcountry creeks. If you're a small-stream aficionado, you're going to like this one. 

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In this episode, Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists Ben Swigle and Gage Dean join Ross to discuss their work with and management of high-alpine lakes in Colorado's wilderness areas. They discuss the history and current state of alpine stocking programs, how CPW backcountry teams survey these lakes, competition between native and non-native species, fishing tips, and how anglers can go about finding, researching, and accessing these incredibly beautiful places.

If you're interested in high-alpine fishing for cutthroats (or anything else), this is the episode for you. 

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Gear is one thing, but what about clothing and apparel? It can be very difficult to find good information about what you should wear for backcountry fly fishing, which sets you up for a frustrating (and expensive) trial-and-error approach. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through what he wears for wilderness fly fishing trips in the summer and fall. 

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What do you need for a backcountry fly fishing trip? What should you carry? What should you leave behind? In this episode, Ross walks you through what he carries for day trips into the wilderness.

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Your feet are important. Treat them right, and there's no limit to where they can take you. Treat them wrong, and you could have a bad time on both the trail and on the water.

In this episode, Ross walks through four critical concepts related to backcountry fly fishing in the winter: warmth, mobility, traction, and safety. From the parking lot to the bottom of the canyon and back again, this episode will help you make sure you're ready to keep those sexy toes in the game all day. 

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Very few things will ruin a day of fishing like frozen, achy fingers that won't work when you need them to. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to keep your hands as warm as possible on the winter water without limiting your ability to manage the line, tie the knots, and do the other stuff you've got to do to fly fish effectively. 

Disclaimer: It's the winter, and there's no way around the fact that your fingers are going to get cold if you're crazy enough to fly fish through the frigid depths of winter. They just are. But with the right gear and a few simple tricks, you can manage the cold in a way that will let you stay on the water long after others have headed back to hold their frozen hands in front of their car vents. 

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Before we can even start talking about fishing, we have to talk about staying warm and safe on the water during the coldest months of the year. After all, if you can't stay comfortable out there, you're not going to be catching fish. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to dress for cold-weather fly fishing from your head to your toes so you can stay as warm and as toasty as possible while you're out there ripping lips in a snowstorm. 

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You could do a lot of things in the colder months. You could hang up your waders and opt for a soft couch, a warm blanket, and a hot cup of coffee. Fly fishing can wait, right?

Well, not for everyone. If you're among the hardy souls who just have to be on the river regardless of the season, you're going to have to deal with the unique challenges of fly fishing in frigid water and below-freezing air temperatures. It's tough out there in the winter!

In this episode, Ross sets the stage for Season 2 by walking through the challenges of winter fly fishing--and talking about the reasons those challenges make it worth your while to get outside and make some tracks in the snow. 

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For some fly fishers, simply finding open, fishable winter water is the toughest part of cold-weather angling. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through the kinds of streams that make for good winter fishing and how to find, research, and prepare for them so you can keep fishing happily until spring rolls around again.

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Alright, you've got all the right gear, found a wicked winter stream to fish, and made it through the snow to the water. What now?

In this episode, Ross walks you through his typical setup for a day of winter nymphing in the coldest months of the year. If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Fly fishing, like everything else worth doing in life, is all about self-development, growth, and learning. The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on your adventures over the last year, see where you landed on your goals, and start looking ahead to the coming year of chasing wild fish in wild places. 

In this short holiday episode (he wants to go fishing, you know?), Ross talks a bit about his goals and goal-setting processes. 

Happy holidays to all of you! We'll see you back here in a couple of weeks! 

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If you hike, snowshoe, snowmobile, cross-country ski, or do anything else in deep snow to reach your favorite backcountry fishing destinations in the winter or spring, you need to be thinking about avalanches. And the truth is that a lot of fly fishers (including Ross) don't know as much about these cold killers as they should. 

This week's episode features an interview with world-renowned avalanche expert Bruce Tremper, who quite literally wrote the book on avalanche safety in the United States. Bruce helps us better understand avalanches, their causes, and how to avoid them in the backcountry. 

This is a must-listen before you hit those snowy mountain trails. 

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You ate too much and exercised too little this holiday season. You know it, and we know it. But the fact that you aren't hiking as often and indulging in a few extra calories over the winter doesn't mean you have to let yourself fall out of hiking shape.

In this episode, Ross is joined by Cameron Davis, personal trainer and owner of RockStar Fitness in Castle Rock, Colorado. Cameron and Ross talk about how to stay in shape over the winter, work on your physical weak points, and make sure you're ready for the big hikes needed to access pristine backcountry waters when spring rolls back around. 

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We were supposed to have one more interview this season, but it didn't work out. So, instead, Ross decided to just geek out over the joys of fly-tying and tell everyone what he's got in his winter fly box. Why not, right? 

If you're a bug nerd, a tying enthusiast, or just someone looking for a shortlist of go-to patterns that you should be using in the winter (or really any other time), this one's for you. 

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If you think spring makes fly fishing challenging, you should see what it does to your favorite hiking trails.

In this episode, Ross walks you through what you should expect on those early spring trails and how you can make sure that tough conditions don't stop you from reaching your favorite backcountry water.

One note: Ross recorded this episode while fighting off a chest cold, so he sounds like Kermit the Frog. Sorry, but if being sick won't keep him from fishing, it certainly won't stop him from doing the podcast. The show must go one, or something. 

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March is the tweener season. It's kind of winter, kind of spring, and all complications all the time. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through how he fly fishes through the most complicated month of the year--finding water, bringing the right gear, and putting fish in the net even when conditions don't want to cooperate. 

We know you're itching to get back out there, but don't go unprepared!

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We're back, baby! This is the official kickoff of Season 3 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, which is all about fly fishing through the spring months and working our way back into the serious wilderness we all love so much.

In this episode, Ross provides a taste of what to expect in Season 3 and an overview of the challenges you ought to be thinking about as you prepare to hit the water in (sometimes) warmer weather. 

We're excited to be back at it. Drop us a line if you have questions or thoughts!

If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Well, folks, we've reached the end of Season 2. We hope you've enjoyed this season and been able to use the information to get out on the winter water and slay some trout. 

We'll be back with Season 3, which will be all about spring fly fishing in the backcountry, in mid-March. Until then, don't forget to leave us a five-star review on your podcast platform of choice. And feel free to drop us a line on Facebook or Instagram--Ross loves hearing from you.

Stay warm out there, friends. We'll see you back here soon!

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We've spent the entirety of Season 2 talking about winter fly fishing. Now, as we close out the season, it's time to look forward to warmer months--and to start planning your next adventures. 

In this episode, Ross is joined by Ron Belak, author of Fly Fishing Colorado's Backcountry, The Fishing Guide to 800 High Lakes in Colorado, and many dozens of articles across various publications. In addition to being one of Ross's personal heroes, Ron is a well-recognized authority on backcountry fly fishing and a true expert on what it takes to prepare and plan for successful spring trips to high-alpine lakes and other destinations.

We're grateful to have had Ron on the show, and we hope that his insights will help get you excited for your next season of adventures. We'll see you back here for Season 3!

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Alright, we've covered hiking in tough spring conditions and how to fly fish through the early weeks of spring. But what do you need to have a safe, comfortable, successful day on the water when you get there? 

In this episode, Ross walks you through his wading system for the spring, including his preferred gear and tips to keep you safe and comfy in rapidly changing conditions.

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After the weird 'tweener season of March, winter is FINALLY over. April brings warmer weather, warmer water, a whole bunch of bugs, and a return to the promised land for fly anglers--especially fly anglers who have been itching to get back into the bush after a winter of being stuck on the tailwaters. 

In this episode, Ross walks you through fly fishing in April--getting back on the freestones we all love so much, insect hatches, fly patterns, fishing tactics, and more. It's time to get back out there, my friends, and we've got you covered. 

If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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It's time for a brief intermission in Season 3 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast. And what better way could there be to use that intermission than to complain a little about the stuff that annoys us about fly fishing?

This is our first Complaint Corner episode--and likely the first of many. This week's topic? The infamous, the dastardly, the downright rude, the incorrigible high-holer. If that's you, STOP IT. If it's not you, well, enjoy listening to a full, detailed explanation of why this behavior is terrible and needs to stop.

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We all love geeking out about bugs. We started talking a bit about insects and hatches last week. This week, we're taking a deep dive into filling up your dry box for spring fly fishing--patterns, tying tips, bug nerdery, and more. 

Get ready to break out that vise, friends. Dry-fly season is upon us. 

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Runoff has arrived, and while we have talked about the science and safety of high-water season, we have yet to talk about the other important thing: How to keep fishing during this tough season.

In this episode, Ross walks you through three ways (with some extras for good measure) to keep your rod bent while you wait for the streams to settle down and the high-alpine lakes to ice off. No need to sit inside counting the days! 

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Higher flows, stained water, warmer weather... We all know what that means: Runoff cometh.

In this episode, Brandon Forbes from the United States Geological Survey joins us to talk about the science of streamflow and runoff. USGS is an incredibly important agency that handles everything from earthquakes to volcanoes to flood prediction. And because of the thousands of stream-monitoring stations they operate around the country, their work is particularly important for backcountry anglers who need to know everything they can about the water they're hiking to before they hit the trail.

If you're looking to better understand the timing and science of runoff, how to work around it, and how to stay safe on spring water, this episode is for you. 

Learn more about USGS here. 

Learn more about Brandon Forbes here.

Find streamflow information in your state here.

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We are fortunate to live in an age where technology can help support our backcountry adventures and keep us safe and connected while we're in the wild. 

This week we take a deep dive into safety technology with Rehan Nana, who for outdoor tech giant Garmin. Rehan walks us through Garmin's history, technological solutions, and how electronics can help keep you safe in the wilderness.

If you'd like learn more about Garmin or check out their products for yourself, you can find more information here. 

Check out the Garmin 2024 inReach SOS Year in Review here.

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If you're like Ross, you could probably spend your entire life exploring the waters in your home state and still never come close to seeing them all. But we live on a big planet full of interesting fish that will eat a fly in wild places, and sometimes you want to get out and see something radically different--think float plane trips in the Northern Rockies, stalking GTs off the coast of Africa, or throwing flies at monstrous taimen in the Mongolian Steppe. 

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Hunt from Hatch Adventure Travel. In addition to being a hardcore fly angler and prolific author on the sport for Hatch Magazine and others, Chris and his partners help organize some of the most incredible fly fishing adventures you could ever dream of.

Learn more about Hatch Adventure Travel here. 

Contact Hatch Adventure Travel here.

Look up fish species you've never heard of here (just kidding).

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Alright, friends, we've come to the end of Season 3. We hope you've enjoyed this season and come away with a bunch of helpful information.

It's been incredible to watch the growth of the BCFF Podcast and to speak to so many of you about your own fly fishing stories. THANK YOU for listening, for taking the time to send your thoughts, and for being part of this crazy backcountry fly fishing thing we all love so very much.

We'll be back in a few weeks with the start of Season 4. Until then, stay safe and fish your face off. 

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Welcome back, friends. It's officially time for Season 4 of the BCFF Podcast.

In this episode, published right on the cusp of prime backcountry fly fishing season, Ross breaks out his tweed jacket to talk about the philosophy of why we go to hard places to catch fish. 

Spoiler alert: It ain't really about the fish at all.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Well, it happened. DC politics have collided with our time in the woods, and that means we've gotta talk about it (even if we'd rather not).

In this special--and urgent--episode, Ross talks about a provision in the U.S. Senate GOP's budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of millions of acres of federal land--the same land we use to hike, camp, and fly fish. 

You can read more about the proposal and find a map of the lands potentially up for sale from The Wilderness Society here. 

This bill is moving quickly. Now is the time to speak up for the places you love. If you'd like to contact your congresspeople, you can do so through the digital advocacy campaigns below or by looking them up yourself here. 

This is our national identity, our heritage. Don't sit this one out. 

Trout Unlimited Campaign

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Campaign

The Wilderness Society Campaign

The wild is unpredictable. That's why we love it.

But when you're catching fish out in the sticks by yourself, you have to make peace with the fact that no one is coming to bail you out. That means you have to practice self-reliance, and that starts with having the stuff you need (or might need) if things go sideways. 

In this episode, Ross talks about the importance of being prepared for your backcountry trips and what he carries in his day pack to ensure he's as safe as he can be in the woods or on a mountaintop, no matter how rough the terrain. 

You can check out the full gear checklist here.

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We all love to get out there as often as we can. But some days, you’re just not supposed to be in the wild. Some days, the mountain says No.

This episode is all about those moments—the ones where something inside you whispers, “Not today, friend.” Whether you're off physically, stuck in your own head, riding out an emotional storm, or just feeling that deep-down pull to turn back, learning to listen to that voice matters.

Because the wilderness doesn’t just test you—it talks to you. And sometimes, the most seasoned move you can make is knowing when to stay home.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Alright, you've picked the perfect high-alpine lake, found the perfect weather window, nailed your timing, and made the hike. What the hell do you do now?

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to make it happen on high-alpine lakes, which can be among the toughest places in the world to fly fish if you're not prepared.

If you're not sure what gear you need, wonder which patterns you ought to have in your box, or are looking for some tactics that might just save your day, this one's for you.  

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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If you love backcountry fly fishing, chances are you love hiking to high-alpine lakes. But as stunning as these remote waters are—tucked away in rugged mountain ranges—they can be unpredictable and frustrating if you don’t time your trips right.

In this episode, Ross breaks down how to plan and time your next hike to a high-alpine lake, sharing practical tools, tips, and advice to help you stay safe and find success at the top of the world.

Here are some resources for you to check out:

Copernicus Browser (Sentinel Satellite Imaging)

AllTrails (for the latest reviews and reports)

National Weather Service (for the best daily forecasts)

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 If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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There’s no better way to learn what not to do than by pointing and laughing at someone else’s mistakes. Lucky for you, Ross has a whole wall full of them—and he’s not shy about handing out free lessons.

In this episode, Ross pulls three stories straight from his personal Wall of Shame: times he ignored his own advice, made dumb choices in the backcountry, and came this close to earning a Darwin Award.

The takeaway? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Or just listen to this episode and avoid the prizes altogether.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Backcountry fly fishing is about mastery—learning the water, the fish, and the environment. It’s about exploration, achievement, and growth. It’s about earning your fish and your spots, not having them handed to you.

In the second edition of Complaint Corner, Ross takes on the problem of spot burning—how it harms pristine places, ruins the fishing experience, and robs anglers of one of the best parts of the sport: discovering it for themselves.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Season 4 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast comes to a close, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. In this final episode, Ross reflects on the BCFF Podcast journey so far—and turns to one of the most important conservation issues facing our public lands today: the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.

The Roadless Rule protects more than 58 million acres of America’s wildest country, safeguarding fish habitat, clean water, and the kind of backcountry that makes this podcast possible. Its repeal would open the door to development, fragmentation, and the loss of places that define our outdoor heritage.

Ross breaks down what the rule means, why it matters to anglers and anyone who loves wild country, and how you can get involved in defending it. If you’ve ever shouldered a pack, followed a faint trail, or fished water that can only be reached on foot, this is your fight too.

Thank you for being part of Season 4. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come in Season 5.

You can send in a public comment on the Repeal of the Roadless Rule here. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2025.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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As summer gives way to fall, backcountry anglers face one of the trickiest transitions of the year: turnover season. Weather gets funky, waters cool, insect activity changes, and spawning begins to influence behavior.

In this episode of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, Ross unpacks how to approach this narrow edge season. He explains how (and where) to plan your trips, the extra gear you need in your backpack, what to expect from insect behavior as hatches taper off, which pattern you need in your box, and how spawning cycles begin to come into play. 

The goal of this episode is to provide a roadmap for anglers who want to keep catching fish when peak-season approaches no longer hold. Because really, none of us wants to stop fishing as summer comes to an end.

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Some places are so wild and remote they feel almost untouched. In northern British Columbia, just outside the vast Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, that kind of wilderness still exists. And it’s here that Urs and Daniel Schildnecht built Northern Rockies Adventures—a lodge and outfitting business that brings anglers and adventurers into some of the most rugged and spectacular country on the continent.

In this episode, Ross sits down with Urs and Daniel after spending days flying by float plane, fishing lakes and rivers that few will ever see. They talk about the origins of their lodge, the challenges of building a life and business so far north, and the stories that come from guiding in a place where the road ends. Along the way, they share their perspective on the Muskwa-Kechika itself—its unique landscape, its wildlife, and the deep solitude it offers to those willing to venture into it.

This is more than a fishing story—it’s a window into the people who call the wild north home, and the waters and mountains that define their lives.

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The backcountry demands more from both anglers and their equipment. When every ounce matters and every mile is earned, the right gear can make the difference between a long, grueling slog and a trip you’ll never forget.

In this episode, Ross sits down with brothers Patrick and Daniel Bauman of Colter Backcountry, where two brothers with a passion for the outdoors are designing fly fishing gear built specifically for anglers who venture deep into the wild.

If you’re a fly angler who hikes farther, camps deeper, and thrives on the adventure as much as the fishing, this episode will give you a look behind the curtain at the gear being built with you in mind.

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There’s a voice inside you that knows when something isn’t right. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it roars. The key is learning to listen.

In this episode, Ross sits down with security expert and former FBI agent James Hamilton from Hamilton Security Group for a deep dive into the nature of intuition—what it is, where it comes from, and why it might be the most important tool you have in the backcountry and beyond.

They explore how intuition works under pressure, how to sharpen your situational awareness, and why training and preparation can mean the difference between confidence and catastrophe. Whether you're deep in the wilderness or navigating everyday life, this conversation will change the way you think about what your gut is trying to tell you.

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